Manchester United are one of the clubs monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is currently on a season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven, Daily Mail report.
The Red Devils could go on another spending spree in the summer transfer window and manager Erik ten Hag may have his sights on bolstering multiple positions.
There is a possibility that a new centre-back could be pursued, particularly with suggestions that Harry Maguire could consider an exit at the end of the campaign.
It is now revealed that United are keeping tabs on Branthwaite, who has established himself as a regular centre-back for PSV since the beginning of the year.
PSV failed to sign him for around £15 million last month and it is now claimed that the Toffees will assess the player’s situation following his temporary stint.
United could consider Branthwaite as Martinez’s deputy
United currently have a strong centre-back pairing in Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire being the back-up choices.
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Ten Hag may want another left-footed centre-back in the squad such that he has someone to rotate with Martinez when required.
Luke Shaw has played in the role on many occasions after the World Cup, but Ten Hag may ideally want the Englishman to continue in his customary left-back spot.
Hence, the club could make an effort to land Branthwaite. He is still only 20, and has made good progress since becoming a regular under manager Ruud van Nisterooy.
Branthwaite possesses a strong aerial presence and has impressed with his ability to clear his lines. He has also registered one tackle and one interception per game.
If Everton were to consider his sale this summer, they are bound to demand a high transfer fee, considering PSV’s £15m offer failed to test their resolve in January.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and WhoScored.com
